How to Use Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year in Your Home

How to Use Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2023 in Your Home

Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2023 is Raspberry Blush, described as a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink. Not for the faint of heart, Raspberry Blush is a vivid and optimistic hue that is sure to stun in any space. If you want to bring playfulness and energy into your home, then Raspberry Blush is the color for you.

Read on to discover five ideas for using Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2023 in your home.

Powder room 

Raspberry Blush is bold, so you can easily use it to make a statement in a small space such as a powder room. More importantly, powder rooms are having a moment in design and are no longer left to be a spare space; instead, they allow you to play with colors that make an impact. If you are hesitant to paint your entire room in this bright and energetic color, consider painting either the upper or lower half of your walls for a more subtle look that still packs a vibrant punch.

Kitchen backsplash

Colorful kitchens are currently all the rage, and Raspberry Blush is an excellent option for a pop of color in the space. If you want a significant impact while remaining subtle, paint your backsplash Raspberry Blush and keep your cabinets and countertop in a complementary neutral color. For a bolder look, transform your cabinets by painting them Raspberry Blush. Elevate it more by swapping your hardware for brass or gold accents, says a Cypress, TX, interior decorator.

Dining room

Dining rooms offer the option to be a bit more dramatic in your decor and design choices, and Raspberry Blush is the perfect shade to balance and embolden your space. Red dining rooms have been popular for a long time, but Raspberry Blush walls create the same air of sophistication in a more modern and chic way. When you pair the shade with dark wood and gold accents, your dining room will be the perfect spot to host any gathering.

Accent walls

Raspberry Blush is a show-stopping color, making it a fantastic option for an accent wall in a bedroom or living room. With its warmth and richness, it acts as a focal point for the eye and can anchor your space, negating the need for excess decor. See Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends for 2023 to discover more shades that pair perfectly with Raspberry Blush and can work beautifully as accompanying walls.

Subtle pops

If you balk at the idea of a vivid shade throughout your home, subtlety is the way to go. Raspberry Blush is an excellent accent color for decorating and can work well in any room. Pillows and throw blankets in this lively hue will add warmth to any living room. Other options for the living room include lamp bases and area rugs featuring Raspberry Blush and similar tones. In the bedroom, consider a Raspberry Blush-colored duvet. 

Don’t be shy about adding color to your home in the new year! Use the tips above for inspiration on how you can add Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year, Raspberry Blush, to your own home. 

What Decor to Hang Above Your Bed

What Decor to Hang Above Your Bed

Certain spots throughout the home can seem incredibly difficult to decorate. Whether that’s because the area is large, a focal point, or oddly shaped, the perfect decor remains elusive. One such space is the area above the bed; it is typically a focal point of your bedroom, and it can be challenging to figure out exactly what to put above it. If you are having trouble decorating above your bed, look no further for guidance.

Read on to discover tips on what decor to hang above your bed.

Plants

Not only do plants look lovely in most areas of the home, but they also help purify the air and give you a sense of well-being. There’s no better place to cultivate a sense of well-being than your bedroom. If you have shelving above your bed, consider placing a few plants of different shapes and sizes. Think flowering cacti, vines, and succulents. Pots of different colors and patterns will act as additional decor beyond the greenery itself. If you can, consider hanging plants from the ceiling with hooks and baskets, though be sure you aren’t susceptible to hitting your head in the morning!

Wall art

Hanging art above your bed is a straightforward solution to solving the issue of a large blank space. However, it would be best if you chose the right pieces. If you have a favorite large art piece that you haven’t committed to hanging yet, consider placing it above your bed to act as the room’s focal point. Gallery walls are another great option, especially if you have different pieces that work well and tie your space together. If you find choosing art overwhelming, don’t fret! Photographs also work; a gallery wall of family or vacation photographs is an excellent option.

Shelves

Shelving above your bed not only provides extra storage for knick-knacks, but it also looks beautiful when done right. You can really curate what is on your shelves and make something that works aesthetically and functionally. If you read often, consider having your favorite (or current) books displayed on your shelves. A few framed photographs add a personal touch. Or, you can simply display knick-knacks that you love but can’t find a place for or swap it out based on the seasons. 

Lighting

Hanging unique lighting above your bed is a fantastic option if you prefer a minimalist style. Chic wall sconces on either side of the bed are a no-brainer, especially if you lack the space for a side table and lamp, says a Morganville, NJ, interior decorator. Another option is to invest in a chandelier. Chandeliers are great because they come in such a variety of styles, from art deco sputnik pieces to antique brass ones. For added flair, hang mirrors behind your bed which can help reflect the light.

Headboard

Headboards are making a comeback and are a versatile option for any bedroom. A large and tall headboard can be the focal point of your entire room and tie together your bedding and color scheme. Headboards also have the added benefit of allowing for different fabric patterns and textures, meaning you can choose one uniquely suited to your taste and style. 

Don’t let a large blank canvas deter you from decorating your bedroom. Use these design tips as inspiration, and pick out what decor you want to hang above your bed!

How to Shop for Outdoor Furniture

How to Shop for Outdoor Furniture

With summer in full swing, you’re probably ready to soak up the sun outdoors with friends. If your outdoor area lacks a proper setup, it might be time to purchase new furniture. Whether you plan on hosting outdoor dinner parties under the stars or just want a quiet spot to read in the sun, the proper setup can make all the difference.

Read on to discover tips on how to shop for outdoor furniture.

Plan accordingly

Before you look for any furniture, you need to figure out what you want to do with your outdoor space. If you plan to host dinner parties or want to eat outside, a dining table and chairs are necessary. But if you intend to stick to happy hours and casual lounging, you may just need a coffee table and a comfortable seating arrangement. You should also measure your space before you shop to have a rough idea of what dimensions your furniture should be. This way, you will avoid purchasing a dining set that’s too small or an oversized couch.

Know your weather

Most outdoor furniture is made to withstand certain weather conditions. Still, it’s essential that you understand the kind of weather you can generally expect in your area and what works best for your location. If your outdoor space gets a lot of sun, understand that your furniture may have fading issues. If you experience an abundance of rain, you may want to avoid wood furniture as the water can warp it. 

Choose comfort

While functionality is important for your outdoor set, be sure to consider your comfort too. Try out your chairs and sofas before purchasing to ensure they won’t leave you and your guests with aches and discomfort. If the set comes with cushions, be sure they are weather resistant and can withstand being left outside occasionally. When you find a beautiful piece that lacks comfort, check to see if inserting cushions or pillows is possible. The more relaxed you and your guests are, the more you will enjoy your time outside.

Select with storage in mind

Most outdoor furniture may be weather resistant, but that doesn’t mean it should be left outside year-round. If you live in a climate with changing seasons, you will want to store your furniture during the colder months. With that in mind, be sure you choose furniture that you know can fit into proper storage. If you’re short on space, there are collapsible and easily disassembled sets that make it easier to put away when not in use.

Add decor

Once you’ve picked your outdoor furniture, you can get started decorating your space. If your outdoor furniture comes with cushions, try to choose patterns that complement your house color. A Mercer County interior decorator recommends coordinating your seat cushions to an outdoor area rug to tie your space together. For dinner parties, consider adding an outdoor bar cart for guests’ easy access. For those with a green thumb, consider hanging annual flowers that match your furniture set.

By following the tips above, you will be able to select the best outdoor furniture for your needs and on your way to an amazing summer!

Summer Decorating Trends

Summer is just around the corner, which means many homeowners are gearing up to let the warm weather in. From vibrant colors to pleasant weather and plenty of sunshine, summer is a wonderful time of year that presents plenty of home decorating inspiration. Discover the best ways to incorporate the bright, welcoming feeling summer brings into your home décor.

  • Fun Foliage. No matter where you live, the trees, shrubs, and flowers on your property have surely started to bloom. Bring the warm hues of these botanicals into your interior decor. Incorporate a vibrant flower arrangement into your dining room by creating a centerpiece with freshly cut flowers from your garden. If you don’t want to have to replace the flowers, invest in a faux arrangement instead. You can find a variety of faux flower arrangements, wreaths, and swags to bring the vibrant colors of summer into your home.
  • Glowing Gold. Picture the sun setting over the bay at your favorite shore point. You can capture that gorgeous glow by incorporating gold accents into your home décor! Gold can bring a warm, inviting feeling to any room in your home. Be mindful that overusing gold can quickly become gaudy, so use it in moderation. Think gold accents in a room with seafoam green or navy blue elements for a subtle, nautical feel.
  • Lovely Lilac. While Millennial Pink is still being celebrated throughout interior design, Millennial Lilac is all the rage this summer! We can thank Pantone’s Color of the Year, Ultraviolet, for this boost in purple popularity. Lilac can help add depth and create visual interest in spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms, according to the professional Huntington County painters.
  • Tantalizing Tropical. Draw on the inspiration of vintage tropical prints and use them throughout your home decor. These groovy vibes work well in small elements like lamp shades, throw pillows, and table runners. If you’re not a huge fan of tropical prints, you can still incorporate tropical elements, like citrus fruits or birds of paradise, throughout your home.

Welcome the summer season with these inspired decorating ideas! For more summer decorating trends, contact Jennifer Pysnack, a Syracuse, NY interior decorator.

Choosing Decor For A Custom Home

custom home builders

You’ve hand-picked everything else in terms of the layout and design of your home – deciding on decor should be no different! Deanna Kovach, a Dover, DE interior decorator, shares some tips and tricks for choosing decor for your custom home.

  • Go bold with color. Paint is one of the most affordable tools in your design toolbox. Color can do so much for a space, whether that’s making it feel ten times larger, brighter, or simply more alive. To choose the color scheme that’s right, think about what the room will be used for. Is it a bedroom where you’ll be relaxing? Opt for calming colors in cool hues like lavender, eucalyptus, or sapphire. Is the space a dining room or basement that will be primarily used for entertaining? Warm, inviting tones, like clay or soft gold, will create a welcoming, homey atmosphere.
  • Choose unique furnishings. Furniture is one of the most important components in any home. It’s where you’ll rest, spend time with loved ones, and of course, snooze! With so many options to choose from, finding the furniture that’s right for your custom home is easy. Start by thinking about the room you’re furnishing. In a bedroom, you’ll want practical but comfortable pieces that make the room feel functional and cozy. In living areas like dens, basements, or sitting rooms, you’ll want plenty of comfortable seating, tabletops, and cabinet storage for odds and ends like books, movies, and games. Once you’ve considered the type of furniture each room will need, you can start to consider the way these pieces will look. Whether it’s an eclectic pattern on the upholstery or a unique shape, choose furniture that speaks to you!
  • Give every room a focal point. Each room in your home should feature an element that serves as a visual exclamation point. Something that will make friends and family stop and take notice. From a bold accent wall to a statement rug, there are many ways you can give each room its own flair. In a dining or living room, create a focal point with a large, elegant mirror. The frame can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. In the kitchen, let vibrant floral centerpieces or modern works of art steal the show. It all comes down to your personal tastes. If you love farmhouse decor, let that shine through the ways in which you dress up each space in your home.
  • Decide on the right floor accents. If you’ve chosen hardwood floors, dress them up with a decorative Persian rug. Opt for tile flooring? A plush throw rug can help to warm the space up a bit. Have you lined a room with wall-to-wall carpeting? You can use a decorative throw rug on top of it! Choose a pattern that features a color that compliments your carpeting. This helps add texture and dimension to a room.

You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your space – decorate it as such!

This post brought to you by Triumph Building Group, Montgomery County home builders.

How You Should Be Choosing Patio Furniture

No matter the season, having a place to sit and relax outside of your home has many benefits. You get to breathe fresh air, up your Vitamin D intake, reduce stress and generally feel happier. The patio is the perfect space to optimize for maximum outdoor comfort and pleasure. When designing your patio, there are few things to consider throughout the process. Furniture is at the top of that list! After all, it’s what transforms your patio into the ultimate place to relax. Here are tips on choosing patio furniture:

  • Think about the elements. When purchasing patio furniture, keep Mother Nature in mind. Rain can cause metals like wrought iron to rust. Dry air can cause wood to splinter, and the wind can cause light items to blow away.  To avoid these problems, consider your geographic area and the bones of the furniture you’re going to invest in, as well as any cushions or pillows. Look for fabrics that can withstand different weather conditions so you don’t always have to run outside and bring them into the house.
  • Make sure it’s comfortable. There’s nothing worse than sitting down to unwind and not actually being able to because of the furniture. With that in mind, a good rule to follow is: make hard things soft. No matter what type of chairs, benches, or chaises you buy, get cushions to accompany them. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or enjoying a meal al fresco, you’ll want comfort to be a priority.
  • Look for more possibilities. If you don’t have a garage, shed or room anywhere inside your house to store the furniture, think about ways the patio furniture itself can act as a storage unit. An easy solution is a bench or ottoman with a removable top. Inside you can store cushions and accessories when it’s raining or during the offseason. Place cushions on top and you have extra seating too!
  • Don’t be afraid of color. While most of your chairs and tables will come in black, white or a neutral color, you can incorporate pops of color in the cushions, pillows, and rugs. Look for bright solids or fun patterns that go with the vibes of the rest of your home. You can also use the colors of the nature surrounding you to compliment the decor. Surrounded by greenery? Throw some red in the furniture. Is your view an ocean or lake? Nautical patterns are perfect!
  • Invest in UV protection. Have you ever stepped outside for a moment only to wind up sitting out there for hours? In times like these, it’s easy to forget sunscreen. Make sure you invest in a sturdy umbrella or awning for those spontaneous moments or particularly sunny days. Even when it’s scorching outside, a little shade will go a long way.

Your patio is your outdoor oasis. When it comes to choosing your patio furniture, weather resistance and comfort are key factors to take into consideration. For more help designing your patio, contact Mimi Wilson, a Northern Virginia interior decorator.

Household Items You Always Forget to Clean

 

For most people, regularly scheduled house cleaning varies. Some homeowners choose to tackle everything in one day, while others clean bit by bit throughout the week. No matter what your style of cleaning is, there are definitely items you have never cleaned laying around your home. These items can carry a disturbing amount of germs and dirt, so familiarize yourself with these items and add them to the to-clean list!

  • Remote. These are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Think about how many hands have touched your remote, as well as the cracks and crevices dirt and germs can creep into. Remotes are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, so take a quick second to run a disinfecting wipe across the entire remote.
  • Washing Machine. If you notice that your clothes are no longer getting a fresh clean scent after doing laundry, your machine probably needs to be washed! Many people forget that even these need regular cleaning so that they can continue to clean laundry effectively. You can find disinfectant packets to run through your washer at local big box stores like Target and Walmart. 
  • Coffee Maker. Whether you have a traditional full-pot maker or a single brew machine, it needs to be cleaned regularly. These machines are susceptible to mold growth, particularly in the interior parts that are difficult to see.  Take apart your machine and give it a deep clean. Once this is done, run a few pots/cups of hot water and vinegar to ensure its safe to start brewing again.
  • Throw Pillow. These decorative pillows on either your bed or couch are the main attraction for dust, dirt, food, dead skin etc., especially if you have guests often that come in contact with them.Make sure to give them some attention next time you are cleaning!
  • Dish Rack. Often forgot about, dish racks are prone to mildew growth from all of the excess water and runoff left after cleaning your dishes. If you have a durable dish rack, run it through your dishwasher for a deep clean. If you have a wood or bamboo rack, soak it in a solution of soap and water and allow ample drying time before using it again. 
  • Toothbrush Holder. This is one of the biggest breeding grounds for bacteria that is always overlooked by people. Next time you clean your bathroom, clean inside of your toothbrush holder thoroughly. 
  • Cleaning Supplies. No one ever thinks to clean the things that do the cleaning! There are tons of bacteria built up in your vacuum, mops, sponges and feather dusters. Replace sponges and dust rags regularly. Use throw-away mops, like Swiffer, to prevent the buildup of germs on a traditional mop. As for your vacuum, follow the manufacturer recommendations for cleaning.

Don’t neglect these items when it comes to cleaning your home! 

This post brought to you by Mooney’s Moving, expert Bucks County movers.